sustainability report - Summer Menu

Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Source

Why it’s sustainable:
The carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs in the spring rolls are in season during the summer (May-August). Although the purple cabbage’s earliest harvest is July, it can be easily substitute for an in-season green such as spring greens. All of this produce can also be bought locally and is readily available at any supermarket.

The sauce is made from peanuts which are great for the environment and naturally sustainable. They release essential nitrogen into the soil that has been depleted by other crops. They need less fertilizer and result in less greenhouse gas emissions.

Where to source ingredients:
For produce, Whole Foods is leading in sustainability practices and pushes for high quality products. If there isn’t a local Whole Foods, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, and Co-op scored very high as ethical supermarkets in the UK. Peanuts can also be purchased through them.

Poached Coley in Thai Red Curry Sauce with Tenderstem Broccoli and Brown Rice
Source

Why it’s sustainable:
Sustainable haddock isn’t easily found in the UK. It has to be shipped from other countries like Norway which increases harmful environmental gases. An easy swap will be Coley which has similar properties and flavor.

Tenderstem Broccoli is in season in the summer in the UK, so is easily found and doesn’t negatively impact the environment by having to transport from outside of the UK.

Brown rice is more sustainable than white rice because it goes through less processing and has less synthetic materials added to it. Also, using organic will help keep toxic chemicals out of the soil, air, and water.

Where to source ingredients:
For the Coley, I would use an ethical supplier like Sole of Discretion.
For the Produce - Local supermarkets - particularly Whole Foods, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, and Co-op.

Mango Sorbet with Coconut Biscuits
Sorbet Source 
Biscuit Source

Why it’s sustainable:
Fresh mango is in season in many areas in the summer but can be easily substituted with frozen mango. Frozen fruit is picked and frozen at peak ripeness and easily transported. This also allows it to be bought locally as opposed to requiring additional shipping.

For the biscuit, coconut is sustainable because they are hand-picked and can be grown without any pesticides, keeping harmful chemicals out of the soil and also saving on energy. The flours should be organic to cut down on additional pesticides as well.

Where to source ingredients:
For flours and baking supplies, I would use a no-plastic store like We Gather UK.
All other ingredients can be found in local supermarkets - particularly Whole Foods, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, and Co-op.